Zero Sum Game
a duple improper contra dance
David Smukler (2006-07-05)  Easy - first dance of the evening

Figs: NB&S;MAL1.5,PS;CL,R&LT;WC,LHS;

 A1 	Balance and swing neighbor

 A2 	Gents allemande left 1-1/2
        Partner swing

 B1 	Circle left all the way round
        Right and left through across the set

 B2 	Ladies chain back
        Left-hand star


DAVID writes:

I often think of the first dance I call during an evening as my "diagnostic"
dance: a chance to see how the dancers handle various basic moves so that I can
plan on what to call next. Based on Tony Parkes's Spring Fever, Zero Sum Game
is a glossary dance that was composed (on July 5, 2006) to be the first dance
of a particular dance weekend. Just after I wrote the dance I learned that I
would not be calling the first dance of that weekend but starting later. The
title refers to a belief I have about how dances and dance styles change,
namely that each time we add something we lose something else. This doesn't
mean we should avoid change, but it's helpful if we increase our awareness
about what our choices mean. 
